Boulevard Léopold II
Thoroughfare in Brussels, Belgium
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Boulevard Léopold II (French) or Leopold II-laan (Dutch) is a major thoroughfare in Brussels, Belgium, running through the municipalities of Koekelberg and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. It is named in honour of King Leopold II, the second King of the Belgians.[1][2]
The Boulevard Léopold II/Leopold II-laan in Brussels | |
  Location within Brussels   Location within Belgium | |
| Namesake | King Leopold II |
|---|---|
| Type | Boulevard |
| Location | Koekelberg and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium |
Postal code | 1080, 1081 |
| Coordinates | 50°51′44″N 4°20′04″E |
| From | Brussels–Charleroi Canal |
| To | Basilica of Koekelberg |
History
The boulevard was laid out in the 19th century according to the plans of the architect and urbanist Victor Besme. In 1873, it was officially named the Boulevard Léopold II/Leopold II-laan ("Leopold II Boulevard") in honour of King Leopold II, the second King of the Belgians.[1][2]
In 1956, in preparation for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo 58), a temporary viaduct, the Viaduct of Koekelberg, was built to accommodate increased road traffic. It was demolished in the early 1990s.[1]
